Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast

Leaders want to make the right decisions, but past mistakes can lead to overcorrection—fixing one problem while creating another. In this episode, John McGee unpacks how this happens in our hiring, theology, and leadership transitions, and how to avoid reactionary decisions. Learn to make thoughtful adjustments that lead to lasting impact.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Church growth is exciting—but it also brings leadership challenges. Maybe you’re feeling the weight of too many decisions, struggling to keep up with relationships, or realizing that what worked in the past isn’t working anymore. You’re not alone—every growing church faces these moments. The real question is: How will you lead through it? In the latest episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee, Dave Bruskas, and John Cox share insights on: ✅ Why churches stall—and how to break through ✅ How to delegate without losing control ✅ The leadership shifts every growing church must make  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Ever feel like you don’t belong in the role you’ve been given? You’re not alone. In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas dive into the realities of imposter syndrome—how it shows up in leadership, why it happens, and how to push through it. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, they remind us that insecurity is a universal challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold us back. Tune in and be encouraged: what’s hard today will become easy tomorrow if you lean in.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee unpacks the roles of APEST found in Ephesians 4:11-13 —Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers —and how these leadership giftings shape the church. He explores their strengths and challenges, explaining why a balanced team is essential for both growth and sustainability. Whether you’re planting churches or leading teams, this episode will help you recognize, empower, and collaborate with different gifts for maximum impact.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In today’s fast-paced culture, it’s easy to feel the pull toward the next big opportunity. As a follow-up to December’s episode, Knowing When to Leave, this episode dives into the topic of knowing when to stay and the value of long-term leadership in ministry. If you’re wrestling with the decision to stay or go, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace the long game in ministry—and experience the joy it brings. If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Urgency can make or break a leader. In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee unpacks the topic of urgency and why it is the secret weapon of great leaders by driving motivation and action. Tune in for encouragement and practical steps to help you lead with urgency, embrace meaningful goals, and move your organization away from complacency.  If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In the final episode of the year, host John McGee expresses gratitude to listeners for their selfless service to Christ and others. He acknowledges their impactful work and extends heartfelt thanks for their dedication, both seen and unseen. We will see you all in 2025! If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Struggling to discern if it’s time to step away from your current role? In the next episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Dave Bruskas (Director of Re:generation at Watermark) dive into the challenges of navigating career transitions in ministry. From recognizing the impact on your family and addressing unresolved conflicts to aligning your desires with God’s will, they offer practical wisdom and spiritual guidance for making these tough decisions. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how to leave well—or stay with purpose. Recommended Resources:Eugene Peterson, "Under the Unpredictable Plant"Eugene Peterson, "Working the Angles"Bruce Waltke, "Finding the Will of God"Justin Lester, "Necessary Endings"Gary Thomas, "When to Walk Away"Episode 115 - How to Leave a Job Well If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

Join the Church Leadership Podcast as we celebrate Watermark Community Church’s 25th anniversary by exploring the inspiring history of Re|engage. Since its inception in 2006, our marriage enrichment ministry has transformed the lives of over 137,000 couples across 650 churches. Hear powerful personal stories of change and discover how this gospel-centered discipleship program strengthens marriages, fosters community and accountability, and aims to impact one million marriages. www.reengage.org If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences

In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee and Caitlin Van Wagoner dive into Watermark's Master Calendar system. They chat about how it keeps the church mission-focused and resources in sync, tackling the ups and downs of growing organizations. Tune in to hear about the power of solid planning, the importance of leadership buy-in, and how teamwork makes ministry more impactful.Designation Service MenuMaster Calendar Process Explained If your church is looking for proven ways to care for marriages and individuals in crisis, don’t miss the upcoming Re|engage and Re:generation Training Conferences happening in Dallas, TX. These events will equip you to launch or sharpen existing care ministries your church.March 4–5: Re|engage (marriage enrichment)March 23-24 Re:generation (care and recovery)Learn more and register today at watermarkresources.com/conferences